The AI industry is embroiled in a fierce talent war. Companies are desperate for skilled professionals, yet those who already possess this talent are reluctant to release their grip on employees, even after they’ve been let go. Business Insider recently shed light on this paradox by examining Google DeepMind’s ‘garden leave’ policy – a unique state of employment limbo for former employees of Google’s prestigious DeepMind AI lab.
What is ‘Garden Leave’?
‘Garden Leave’ is the colloquial term for the comprehensive effects of Google’s noncompete clauses. Essentially, it places former Google DeepMind employees in a six-month-long state of suspended animation, where they receive payment from Google while being prohibited from working for any other company. This creates a peculiar situation where these individuals are simultaneously employed and unemployed – akin to Schrodinger’s AI developer.
Noncompete Clauses: A Tale of Two Regions
Noncompete clauses are not as prevalent in the United States, where there’s a growing movement to render them unenforceable, if not outright illegal. In contrast, the UK embraces non-competes, particularly for high-end executives. When Business Insider spoke to former DeepMind employees at the company’s London headquarters, they described the experience as awkward and acknowledged the challenges of finding new employment after the ‘garden leave’ period ends.
Challenges of ‘Garden Leave’
One of the significant hurdles is explaining the six-month to year-long gap in their resume. As one ex-employee lamented, “Who wants to sign you for starting in a year?” This concern is not unfounded, as potential employers may view such gaps with skepticism.
Nando de Freitas, a former DeepMind director who later joined Microsoft, took to Twitter/X to caution prospective DeepMind employees about signing contracts with such noncompete clauses. He emphasized that “No American corporation should have that much power, especially in Europe. It’s abuse of power, which does not justify any end.”
Implications for Prospective Employees
For those considering employment at DeepMind, it’s crucial to be aware of the contractual obligations. Signing a deal with Google DeepMind may guarantee a lengthy ‘vacation’ upon leaving the company. Therefore, it’s advisable to prepare by gathering the necessary tools to fuel personal interests while still employed, as there’s likely to be ample time for video game playing and miniature model painting during the ‘garden leave’ period.
